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Kazakhstan's lightweights in the driver seat U60kg

Kazakhstan's lightweights in the driver seat U60kg

10 May 2024 09:20
JudoInside.com - Hans van Essen / judo news, results and photos

In the aftermath of his triumphant victory in Dushanbe, Muhammadsoleh Quvatov (TJK) emerges as a strong contender, securing the eighth seed in Astana and positioning himself for Paris Olympics qualification. However, his path forward presents a formidable challenge in the form of top-seeded Yung-Wei Yang (TPE), the Tokyo Olympic silver medalist.

Yet, the spotlight shines brightest on team Kazakhstan, with all eyes fixed on the intense competition among Magzhan Shamshadin, Yeldos Smetov, and Nurkhanat Serikbayev. Although Serikbayev leads the rankings at 21 years old, his absence in Astana shifts attention to the fierce rivalry between Shamshadin and Smetov.

Shamshadin, fresh off his silver medal in Dushanbe, eyes a podium finish to surpass his younger competitor, having previously clinched gold in 2023. Meanwhile, Smetov trails behind but remains determined to seize victory in Astana. The prospect of a semi-final showdown between Shamshadin and Smetov ignites anticipation, promising a riveting spectacle that will keep the host nation on the edge of their seats.